Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/10/1982 Meeting 1, e e e M I NUT E S Eugene City Council City Council Chamber February 10, 1982 11:30 a.m. COUNCILORS PRESENT: Brian Obie, Betty Smith, Mark Lindberg, Gretchen Miller, Cynthia Wooten, and Emily Schue. COUNCILORS ABSENT: D. W. Hamel and Eric Haws. Adjourned meeting of the City Council of the City of Eugene, Oregon, was called to order by His Honor Mayor Gus Keller. I. ITEMS FROM MAYOR & COUNCIL, APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AGENDA ADJUSTMENTS A. Film Showing Councilor Obie stated that a film has been put together for educational pur- poses about the downtown area. With the council's permission, he would like to schedule it to be shown on February 22, 1982. B. Agenda Adjustment Councilor Lindberg stated that last Monday night, Item VIII on today's agenda was discussed and a tour of the West University Neighborhood was proposed. He does not feel that staff nor the council has had adequate time to prepare for this item and would like to see the item postponed. Council consensus was to reschedule Item VIII--Continued Discussion/Action on West University Refinement Plan. C. Appointments Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to appoint the following: DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD: Roger Neustadter, 1690 McLean Blvd., Eugene, 97405, to fill the unexpired term of Dick Meigs expiring 1/1/85; METRO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION: Patricia Hocken, 3135 West 14th, Eugene, 97402, a reappointment with the term to expire 2/1/85; JOINT HOUSING COMMITTEE: Robert Linz, 1321 Paige Ave., Eugene, to serve as Chairperson for the Joint Housing Committee. His term expires 1/1/83. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 10, 1982 Page 1 1 e e e Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. D. Councilor Declaration Councilor Obie informed the council that his partner, not he, is involved in the discussions regarding the property located at 18th and Cleveland. Any discussions on this matter should be with his partner. II. ROUTINE ITEMS FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL A. Consideration of City Council Dinner/Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes of January 11, 1982, and Legislative Subcommittee Minutes of January 27, 1982 (distributed) Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to approve the City Council Dinner/Work Session Minutes and Regular Minutes of January 11, 1982, and Legislative Subcommittee Minutes of January 27, 1982. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. B. Payment of Bills and Claims (distributed) Res. No. 3626--A resolution authorizing payment of bills and claims for the period January 27, 1982, through February 3, 1982. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. C. Resolution Authorizing Execution of CSM Carpool Grant (memo distributed) Res. No. 3627--A resolution authorizing execution of Contract No. 7585 with the State of Oregon, Department of Trans- portation, concerning a transportation system management agreement. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. III. TELEPROMPTER FRANCHISE: CALL FOR PUBLIC HEARING Mr. Gleason introduced Keith Martin, City Attorney. Mr. Martin stated that at last Monday night's council meeting, there was concern expressed by the council about taking action on this item prior to a public hearing. The City Charter has a provision requiring reading of a franchise at two regular meetings of the council prior to its adoption. This first reading would comply with the charter provisions. Giving first reading prior to the public hearing is an attempt to help move the process along and to bind Tele- prompter to the changes the commission felt were in the community's interest. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 10, 1982 Page 2 e - e The Springfield City Council will be acting on this franchise on Monday night and Lane County will consider the franchise in March. Only Eugene's charter mandates the readings at two regular meetings. Action can, however, be deferred on this matter until after the public hearing. The first reading is not necessarily where decisions are made. There will be a study session on February 24, 1982, or, the study session could be moved to February 17 and the council bill read at two regular meetings following that. Councilor Lindberg stated that he did not feel it would be irresponsible to vote on an item without complete information. He has no problem with expediting the process but would prefer having all the information. Mr. Martin stated that the council should have received the commission's full report. Mr. Obie asked if the first reading could be given today and adjustments be made later. Mr. Martin responded that changes could be made later. Ms. Wooten stated that there has been no opportunity to discuss the information. Teleprompter cannot be bound by the franchise changes until all jurisdictions act on them. Mayor Keller noted that the council is, in essence, calling for a public hearing and there must be an ordinance to call a public hearing on. Ms. Wooten stated that she is in favor of calling the public hearing but has not made a decision on the franchise. Ms. Schue noted agreement with Ms. Wooten, as did Mr. Lindberg. CB 2428--An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 18284 entitled "An ordinance granting to Teleprompter Corporation a non-exclusive franchise for the operation of a cable communication system"; and declaring an emergency. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, that the bill be read the first time by council bill number only, with unanimous consent of the council, and that a public hearing be called on this issue for March 8, 1982, following which the second reading or other council action will be taken. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. IV. STATUS REPORT ON POWER CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN EWEB AND BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION AND AN EXPLANATION OF EWEB'S BUY-BACK PROGRAM FOR WEATHERIZATION Ms. Wooten stated that she is pleased that Jean Reeder and Deborah Brewer, EWEB, have joined the council today to provide information. The council has had questions regarding the specifics of EWEB's weatherization program and the status of the BPA contracts. Ms. Reeder stated that the contract negotiations have been going on for a year. She is not working on this item, but there are four basic categories: 1) firm requirements for power sales contracts (contracts for utilities). Fifteen direct service industries have signed the power sales agreements, but no investor-owned utilities have and only eight public utilities have; 2) exchange agreements for utilities whose costs are higher than those of BPA. Those have been signed by 8 investor-owned utilities; 3) billing credits--she is not sure if there will be contracts, but there will be a meeting on February 25, 1982, at 7:30 p.m. Billing credits are different from the conservation contracts. It is MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 10, 1982 Page 3 e e e unlikely that anyone would ever get billing credits for conservation accom- plished; and 4) conservation contracts. These are short-term conservation contracts which have been signed and continue until September 8, 1982. Also, there are long-term contracts that are now in negotiation. These will last 20 years. The public utilities, investor-owned utilities, and Bonneville Power Authority are involved in negotiations. There is now an umbrella agreement and there are five programs. These must be negotiated prior to September 8, 1982, and they must sign the firm power sales agreement. Payment from SPA depends upon the available funding, and retroactive funding may be possible. The long-term contracts will not be signed by March 1, 1982, as planned. They are trying to make this better, so they are taking more time. Bonneville Power is looking at certain kinds of things in this agreement such as who is eligible for the contracts, who pays for conservation, and whether termination will be mutual as it is now. She noted that on the second page of the information she distri- buted is information as to what is currently being paid for. Some of these items are shower flow restrictors, the water heat wrap program, the street and area lighting efficiency program, commercial conservation which began January 1, 1982, and the energy buy-back program. The third page of the information includes budgets approved by BPA from January 1, 1982, through September 8, 1982. There is over $5 million available from BPA supplemented by $2 million from EWEB. Ms. Reeder continued to state that the available measures are insulation and house tightening measures. Page 5 shows characteristics of houses that are not qualifying. This eliminates about 75 percent of the housing in the EWEB service area. Some of the reasons for not qualifying are use of ureaformaldehyde foam and use of wood stoves. About one third of the cost of weatherization is being paid directly by EWEB. Page 6 of the information shows Eugenels weatherization program. This is for customers using electrical space heat only. There is a difference between Eugene's ordinance and EWES's buy-back program. The colored papers that she distributed show how to take advantage of the program. The green sheet shows the tax credit replacement program. Up to $125 can be received retroactively, and this money does not come from BPA. The pink sheet shows where to go for finances if you are not a customer with electric space heat. The final sheet shows the long-term contract programs that will be worked on. Ms. Reeder stated that this is a 10-year program and it is complicated. They hoped to make it more clear. They are now scheduling energy audits in December. One problem that is putting them behind is hiring and training staff. They have completed over 100 energy analyses in the last three weeks and 6,000 were done previously. She indicated she would answer questions. Mayor Keller stated that it sounds like the programs are being well received. He asked how many people are being hired for installation. Ms. Reeder stated that 11 water heater wrappers are being hired and they are doing 95 analyses per week. The lag time is how long it takes to get an analysis. Ms. Wooten asked if it would be possible for EWEB to get help to perform the analyses so that customers do not get frustrated. She is sure people would like cheaper utility bills next winter. Ms. Reeder responded that they will be hiring more staff soon and training them. Ms. Miller thanked her for the presentation. She asked about the financing methods and if SPA pays EWES. Ms. Reeder stated that they get paid for the customers who have completed their jobs and have called back MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 10, 1982 Page 4 e e e for inspection. Ms. Miller asked if EWEB is financing the program in the interim. Ms. Reeder responded that they are. Mr. Gleason asked for the status of the billings credit contract. Ms. Reeder stated that there was a meeting last week to determine who should run the programs. They did not yet decide, but they are working on it. Mr. Gleason asked for an approximate time line. Ms. Reeder stated that it probably would not occur until at least summer. Mr. Gleason thanked Ms. Reeder and indicated that she has been a big help in keeping him informed with his work on the Northwest Regional Power Council. In regard to the 20-year contracts, Mayor Keller asked whether, if people do not sign the firm sales agreement, they will not be allowed to participate. Ms. Reeder responded that that is correct, but they will have to sign because the old contracts will run out. They would like to make them better than the previous contracts before they sign them. Mayor Keller requested that she keep the council informed. Ms. Reeder responded that she could come back at any time. V. STATUS REPORT ON EUGENE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM (memo and back- ground information distributed) Ms. Wooten stated that she is representing the council's Economic Diversification Subcommittee. A memo was distributed in the council's packet. The City Manager, department staff, and the Economic Diversification Subcommittee have worked hard to implement the Six-Point Economic Diversification Program. It is important to diversify Eugenels economy in the future. The subcommittee feels it will succeed in bringing in new business that will stabilize the economy. She is amazed at the progress of the information counter. It will open on March 15, 1982. Anyone should be able to get information in one spot without run-arounds. She noted that the correct title for the center would be "Development Assistance and Information Center." The subcommittee and staff will bring a proposal to the council regarding promotion of the core area. More details will be coming soon. Mr. Gleason and the subcommittee are talking about expanding the City/ Chamber of Commerce Committee to include LCC and the U of O. The "Economic Development United Way Program" will take on direct marketing. They will be using loaned executives. There is a draft of a job description that is now circulating. She gave additional details. It will be brought before the council soon because existing City Hall staff may be used. Ms. Smith stated that there is a need to exert efforts, but she is concerned about duplication of efforts. The job description sounds similar to that at the United Lane Forum. She hopes this will not create the situation of people stepping on other people's toes. Ms. Wooten assured her that has been discussed, and they have requested that Mr. Gleason ensure no duplication. Mr. Obie added that the subcommittee felt they could not wait to solicit new industry. The program can be dissolved when others can do the job. The potential must be maximized. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 10, 1982 Page 5 e Mr. Gleason said he has met with Tom Moreland and discussed the issue. The subcommittee has modified their program based on what was discussed. The Foundation will focus on long-range marketing for the entire county. The City/Chamber program will focus more on the short-range direct assistance. The committee has been expanded to include LCC, U of 0, and Lane Economic Foundation. This is a networking system to keep duplication from occurring. Ms. Smith noted that she appreciates those efforts. It has been some time since the council has received information. Mr. Lindberg stated that he is pleased there is coordination and he has talked to some employees of the University. He feels this will help. Ms. Wooten stated she and Susan Smernoff will be meeting with the neighborhood leaders Monday night. e Susan Smernoff, Planning, stated that a number of things have happened since adoption of the Six-Point Program: the Economic Diversification Task Team, the City Council Subcommittee, and the Joint City/Chamber Economic Diversi- fication Task Team were formed. All of these are working closely to implement the Six-Point Program. Ms. Smernoff stated that the Joint Committee is working on the proposed Four Corners Industrial Renewal Project and a marketing program. They have put the Four Corners project aside to do the marketing. The data collection for Four Corners has occurred. They would like to start meeting with the major property owners. The current focus is the Business Recruiting, Assistance, and Marketing Program. The program has two major parts: assisting local firms and recruiting outside firms. Ms. Smernoff will provide more information on the program in March. In regard to core area commercial revitalization, there will be $200,000 to improve the Willamette Arcade, which will provide a connection between downtown and the Fifth Street District. In the central area revitalization project, the CDBG three-year plan was approved and about one third of it was designated for rehabilitation. e The Investment-Capital Assistance Program is in draft form, with a set-aside of $40,000 in the Economic Development budget. The City has received 12 proposals from consultants who are interested in the Small Business Training and Technical Assistance Survey. They should have recommendations available by late April. Prioritization of the Capital Improvement Program projects has occurred with an emphasis on economic development, such as the 6th/7th Extension. In regard to downtown boards, EDA, ERA, and DDB are discussing reorganization. They have agreed to recommend that they merge into a downtown commission. More details will be forthcoming. The first phase of the Development Assistance and Informa- tion Center will be open March 15 also. They are pulling together existing resources. New resources will be used. Phase I will be general information and Phase II will have more of a planning emphasis. One hundred eighty employees attended a training session about this center and another will be held next month focusing on communication skills. The Industrial Information System will be included with the Development Assistance and Information Center for available industrial land, zoning, etc. The EDTT and two busloads of Chamber of Commerce members have been taken on a tour of the proposed Four Corners industrial redevelopment area, special light industrial sites, and the sewage treatment MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 10, 1982 Page 6 , . e e - ~ plant. This has been successful. There is a booklet of the tour available. One-fourth of the CDBG funds has been set aside for economic development projects for the next three fiscal years. The task team has worked with several firms as potential locators in this area, but the information is confidential at this point. Having workshops with consultants has been very helpful. Ms. Smernoff will be back with monthly and quarterly reports. Mr. Obie suggested that it would be good to have the construction community invited when the permit counter is opened. Mr. Lindberg stated that really good progress has been made, but there is a need to go further with core area redevelopment for residential and commercial purposes. He is impressed with the successful leverage the CDBG has accomplished. There are needs for low- and moderate-income housing and that should not be ignored. Also, existing housing must be preserved. He still feels the urban village concept has promise. Demonstration projects of block planning would stimulate interest. HUD, mortgage lenders, etc. must be considered, and in order to do this, the City must be involved. Ms. Schue left the meeting. Mayor Keller stated that he feels that a reasonable job is finally being done. The report was appropriate. Mr. Gleason and Ms. Smernoff have done an excellent job. Mr. Obie thanked Ms. Smernoff for her efforts and her enthusiasm. VI. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE PROPERTY FOR PARK PURPOSES: PARCEL #1 IS LOCATED EAST OF SPENCER BUTTE, ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF DILLARD ROAD; PARCEL #2 IS LOCATED IN THE NORTHWESTERLY REGION OF THE RIDGELINE CORRIDOR, ALONG BLANTON HEIGHTS ROAD (memo, maps distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Ernie Drapela, Parks and Recreation. Mr. Drapela stated that these two parcels fulfill the intent of the bond measure. Walter Haniuk, Parks and Recreation, displayed a map on the opaque projector. Mr. Drapela read the description of the properties. They are seeking to preserve the face of the ridgeline and to acquire the top of the ridge. After the third acquisition, there will be an estimated $500,000 remaining of the bond measure which will be applied to some small parcels linking them to other previous acquisitions. The Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council has praised Eugene for its efforts of proposed trail building. Mr. Gleason asked if the trail system would run the entire ridgeline. Mr. Drapela responded that is the intended plan. There will be one trail head at Skyline Park which will continue along the ridgeline. Mr. Obie asked how these prices compare with previous parcels. Mr. Drapela stated that each parcel is unique and it depends upon appraisal. Mr. Haniuk added that ridgeline properties have been made available to the City for $10,000 to $21,000 per acre. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Miller, to authorize the expendi- ture of funds to purchase two parcels of land as outlined in the staff memo of February 4, 1982. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 10, 1982 Page 7 . e VII. CONSIDERATION OF NEW CHARTER AND BYLAWS FOR JEFFERSON AREA NEIGHBORS (memo, current and proposed charters distributed) Mr. Gleason introduced Ruth Miller, City Manager's Office. Ms. Miller stated this is a new charter. The old charter was not as detailed as that being proposed. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the format. She would be willing to answer questions. Mr. Lindberg noted that under the ltsting of officials, there is no indication of a treasurer, yet under the board of directors, there is mention of the office of treasurer. He asked if they must have a treasurer according to State law. He indicated that, also, this charter would allow any person living or owning property in the community to vote including people who do not live there. He asked if that is in violation of the one person/one vote principle since one person could conceivably own property in each of the different neighborhood areas. Mr. Swanson stated that this provision does not violate State law. A treasurer is not required by State law. A neighborhood group must only have a president and a secretary. The office of treasurer is a matter of choice. Mr. Lindberg stated that his question is more one of consistency throughout the charter. Mr. Swanson stated the neighborhood group could handle this either way. Ms. Miller added that the board of directors may be different from the officers. Res. No. 3628--A resolution approving and accepting the Jefferson Area Neighbors amended charter. e Ms. Wooten asked if the neighborhood group has approved this charter. Ms. Miller responded that they have. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Ms. Miller, to adopt the resolution. Roll call vote; motion carried unanimously. VIII. CONTINUED DISCUSSION/ACTION ON WEST UNIVERSITY REFINEMENT PLAN As noted earlier in the minutes, this item has been held over. The meeting was adjourned to February 17, 1982. City Manager (Recorded by Lynda Nelson) MDG:LN:jw/kb/CM23al e MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 10, 1982 Page 8